The Shey-Phoksundo lake is the deepest lake of Nepal at an altitude of 3611.5m above sea level. It lies in the Shey-Phoksundo national park of Dolpa district, the largest district of Nepal. This national park is the only trans-Himalayan national park. This lake is a prominent part of this park while the lake is Y-shaped with alpine freshwater. The trek commenced after you landed at the Juphal airport. THERE is a choice if you want to walk or go via jeep which takes 6hrs and 3hrs respectively to reach Suligad. Suligad is the entrance point of Shey-Phoksundo national park also known as the home of endangered flora and fauna. The trial is pretty decent inside the national park. Phoksundo river flowed right by our side and the forest was equally beautiful. The colors were so vibrant in the fall season. This trekking trail ascends and descends through a densely forested path filled with a view of several waterfalls, all types of walnuts, an abundance of wildlife, a terraced field, and many more things on the way. the journey goes while enjoying those natural delicacies. On the next day, we enter a different type of landscape. Most of the trials before were kind of dry with very few trees. Now, there’s greenery all around. You can have organic food such as cow milk, Tite prepares roti (bitter millets bread).
The trials are not so tough. NOT many uphill and downhills, almost a plane path following the shores of the river, wonderful views. After a couple of hours going through the climb, we reached the Jharana waterfall viewpoint. The water from the lake formed this waterfall. It was a magnificent waterfall. This waterfall has 3 steps with 170m in height. The waterfall had a great view too, that waterfall flows on the river. By local, this waterfall is the second most beautiful waterfall in Nepal. After seeing the waterfall, one forgets all the tiredness of the uphill hike. This biome is also rich in cultural diversity. The people of this district practiced pre-Buddhist Bon-religion and are also known as the land of rare bon monasteries.
The uphill hike towards the oligotrophic lake is shortened after an hour’s hike. Ringmo village is the entrance point of the lake. This is a traditional village from 30000 to 40000 yrs.’ This lake has a mesmerizing view which is bound to make you feel calm and peaceful as you relish the beauty of the lake along with the view of Kanjirowa Himal(6612m) accompanied by a visit to the various monasteries surrounding the lake. There are more than 20stupas in the southern belt, where one gompa is the eastern side on the shores of the lake, where annual prayers and worship are carried out. The best scenario is definitely from the top of the viewpoint of the lake. A small stream has started to flow from the glacier up here on way to the viewpoint. The way to Phoksundo viewpoint is a steep climb. Shey-Phoksundo lake has mainly three faces: these can be seen from the viewpoint of 3890m. Ringmo village and its surroundings all looked fantastic from here.
The colors of the lake are bluish-grey as it changes from deep green, gleaming silver as the climate and at the moment of sunrise and set. Winter, spring and fall seasons are the best time to trek the lake. without a doubt, we suffered at times but the views, the natural beauty, the culture, the people, the sweet encounter, makes us forget all those hard times. The whole journey just leads you to travel to the piece of heaven. It's worth it.
More Highlights of Lower Dolpa Trekking:
- Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Experience the rich lifestyle and culture of lower Lower Dolpo.
- Splendid views of Kanjirowa, Dhaulagiri, and Tibetan Peaks
- Explore Tibetan Buddhist and Bon Po culture
- Discover different uncover elevated animal
- Pristine Lake Phoskundo